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Friday, March 16, 2018

The Vikings added another weapon to their defensive line by signing defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Mike Zimmer and his staff landed one of Minnesota's top needs: a three-technique defensive tackle.

The Vikings already had one of the top defensive lines in the
league, but Mike Zimmer wasn’t satisfied yet. He entered the offseason with one
goal: to find a three-technique defensive tackle.

Friday, the vision became a reality.

Minnesota signed
Seattle defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to a one-year deal. Zimmer and his
staff now have another dominant pass rusher to fit at the critical
three-technique defensive tackle position.

"Sheldon is one of the most disruptive lineman in the
NFL,” head coach Mike Zimmer said. “He didn't have a lot of sacks but sacks are
not our number one goal. It's getting the QB off of the spot and being
disruptive."

Although Richardson had just one sack last year in Seattle,
he tallied 28 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. He had eight sacks in
2014 as an integral piece in Rex Ryan's defense. He often lined up in
three-technique, but has the flexibility to rush in different positions as
well. The versatility will serve him well in Mike Zimmer’s defense. It will
take pressure off teammate Linval Joseph, who often faces double teams because of
his dominant skill-set.

“It's one where those guys can affect the quarterback as
much as any position, along with our defensive ends,” Zimmer said. “It
obviously takes the double teams off of some guys.”

Upon Richardson's arrival, Zimmer said he was watching draft tape to find
three-technique defensive tackles the Vikings could target in April. Last
year’s starter, Tom Johnson, finished as the 31st best pass rushing defensive
tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. Richardson ranked 10th on
the same list while playing in 15 games for Seattle. Entering the offseason,
Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman wanted to add another defensive tackle.

“When Sheldon came into my office I was watching three techniques
in the upcoming draft,” Zimmer said. “This was very important for us.”

Richardson had drawn interest from the Vikings early in the process
and the team flew him to Minnesota for a private visit. He did receive
an offer from Seattle, but Minnesota's organization, along with the brand new TCO
Performance Center caught the free agent’s attention.

“It’s the best building in the league. Have you seen the
building? Smells like new paint don’t it?” Richardson said.

In Minnesota, Richardson hopes to finish sacks, something he
was disappointed about last season in Seattle. With the help of respected defensive
line coach Andre Patterson, he hopes to thrive in his new role with a talented
nucleus of players around him.

“As soon as I sat down, he cut on film,” Richardson said. “He
also came on the plane and we had a nice 1-on-1 convo.”

The ultimate reason Richardson signed with the Vikings was
for a chance to win games. He viewed Minnesota as a place where he could thrive
and play deep into the playoffs. He will certainly be in a situation to
succeed with Linval Joseph at his side, along with Danielle Hunter and Everson
Griffen rushing off the edge.